Apparatus for liquidizing organic substances

ABSTRACT

Organic wastes such as raw refuses discharged from general households are easily liquefied at every home so as to decrease the amounts of refuses and to be able to utilize these refuses as liquefied fertilizer and the like. With these purposes, an inner vessel, in the bottom of which through-holes of the desirable shape are formed, is housed in a bottomed outer vessel in such a manner that the bottom of the inner vessel is spaced apart from the bottom of the outer vessel, a quefied matter take-out valve Is provided on the outer surface of the outer vessel, and raw refuses are placed in the inner vessel, and liquefield, so that solid matters are reduced in amount and the substance is taken out as liquefied fertilizer and the like for use.

DESCRIPTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for liquidizing organicsubstances that is capable of, at each household, easilyliquidizing-processing organic waste, such as kitchen refuse, dischargedfrom a usual household in a short time while preventing generation of anoffensive odor so as to reduce the quantity of the waste, and as well asenabling the thus-liquidized substances to be easily separated and takenout so that the liquidized substances are used mainly as liquidfertilizer or the like.

2. Background Art

Under present conditions, kitchen refuse discharged from usualhouseholds, garbage generated in restaurants or fields relating to foodand excrement of animals in the livestock industry or the like have beenthrown away without any utilization of the same. The amount ofgeneration of such organic waste has been increased every year, andtherefore loads for the waste disposal plants become heavier. Inparticular, a new waste disposal plant cannot substantially be foundedin urban regions, thus causing a critical social problem to arise. Fromanother viewpoint of the resource recycle, the disposal of the foregoingorganic waste without recycling results in an extravagance of thelimited source.

Accordingly, a waste disposal container of a type capable of, at eachhousehold, composting kitchen refuse discharged from a usual householdhas been developed. However, such waste disposal container takes a longtime to compost the kitchen refuse and, therefore, a large-size wastedisposal container is required to dispose the kitchen refuse dischargedfrom a household. Furthermore, bad smelling inhibits use of the wastedisposal container of the foregoing type in residential areas in urbanregions.

In order to raise the disposing speed, a method has been found whichcomprises the steps of adding water and microorganisms to the kitchenrefuse in small quantities required, forcibly decomposing (fermentingand digesting) the kitchen refuse to liquidize the kitchen refuse and tomature the same so that the matured substances are used as liquidfertilizer or the like. The method enables substantially all kinds ofkitchen refuse to be liquidized in a short time. Furthermore,split-sampling of the liquidized substances as liquid fertilizer or thelike results in that the quantity of residual solid materials can bereduced considerably. While paying attention to the foregoing fact, theapplicant of the present invention has developed and applied for patenta method that uses microorganisms to produce liquid fertilizer fromkitchen refuse (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-872).

Although the foregoing process can be completed by using a plasticbucket for usual households, use of the simple bucket involves adifficulty in separating the residual solid materials and the liquidizedportion after the liquefaction process has been completed. In addition,the liquidized portion cannot easily be maintained at a suitableliquidized (decomposed, fermented and digested) condition under whichthe same is used as the liquid fertilizer or the like. In order to raisethe liquidizing speed, it is effective to grind, stir and aerate thekitchen refuse and to heat the same to a certain temperature (at whichmicroorganisms grow easily and functions of enzymes of themicroorganisms are facilitated). Since the foregoing disclosure has beenstructured on an assumption that the usual plastic bucket is used, asatisfactory liquidizing apparatus has not been obtained. Therefore, theforegoing disclosure cannot easily satisfy a variety of liquidizingconditions, and thus use of the same at usual households has encountereda problem.

That is, a liquidizing apparatus for use in usual households forliquidizing organic substances, such as kitchen refuse, must meet thefollowing requirements:

(1) Residual solid materials and the liquidized portion can easily beseparated from each other;

(2) A function, with which the liquidized portion can easily be taken ina state where the same can be used as liquid fertilizer or the like, isrequired;

(3) The overall apparatus body must be hermetically sealed up inprinciple so that leakage of bad smell is prevented;

(4) The internal chamber cannot be brought to an anaerobic state even ifthe inner chamber is placed in the liquid so that generation of badsmell is prevented;

(5) The liquid diffused into the outer chamber can be reverselypenetrated into the internal chamber so that the microorganisms in theliquid are efficiently be used; and

(6) The apparatus can be used continuously and repeatedly. In principle,no operation is required except the operation of injecting the kitchenrefuse.

If the foregoing requirements are satisfied, kitchen refuse can beliquidizing-processed in a short time, and generation of bad smell canbe prevented. Thus, an apparatus of the foregoing type can be used in ausual household.

Arts related to the present invention will now be described. Asdisclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-42678 and U.S. Pat. No.3,864,249, methods of fermenting animal waste have been developed.Although the fermenting method including fermenting conditions has beenconsidered in the foregoing disclosures, the disclosed structures havenot been assumed to be used in usual households, and therefore nospecific processing apparatus has been described.

An apparatus for disposing kitchen refuse has been disclosed in JapaneseUtility Model Laid-Open No. 63-166504, the apparatus having a structurecomprising an inner container having through holes in the side platesthereof and an outer container to which a liquid outlet faucet isattached. Although the foregoing apparatus satisfies the requirements(1) and (2), it does not satisfy the requirements (3) to (6). That is,since the through holes are formed in the side plates of the innercontainer, the water level in the inner container and that in the outercontainer are made same. Furthermore, the structure, such that theapparatus is not hermetically sealed up and no forcible ventilatingapparatus with respect to the inner container is provided, causes theportion of the inner container, that is immersed in the liquid, to bebrought to the anaerobic state. As a result, bad smell is generated.Since the overall apparatus body is not sealed up, the bad smell reachesthe outside of the apparatus. Therefore, the apparatus cannot be used inthe interior portion of usual households. Therefore, the anaerobic statemust be prevented by always discharging liquid through the liquid outletfaucet so as to prevent the inner container from being immersed in theliquid so as to prevent the anaerobic state. However, the continuousdischarge of the liquid for the purpose of preventing accumulation ofthe liquid involves inconvenience in using the liquidized materials asthe fertilizer because the liquid cannot be accumulated in a requiredquantity. Furthermore, the microorganisms in the liquid are undesirableabandoned without sufficiently use of the microorganisms to dispose thekitchen refuse. Thus, a long time is required to dispose the kitchenrefuse. Since the foregoing apparatus is structured on the assumptionthat it is used such that the inner container, into which kitchen refuseis injected, is not immersed in the liquid, the microorganisms and thelike must be, inconveniently, injected at each use.

That is, the organism liquidizing process in a usual household mustsatisfy the foregoing requirements (1) to (6). Therefore, an idea thatis different from the concept for composting kitchen refuse or organicsubstances is required. Thus, it can be understood that the conventionalkitchen refuse disposal apparatuses cannot be applied. The conventionalkitchen refuse disposal apparatuses have not been structured on thebasis of the idea of processing kitchen refuse by using aerobic bacteriacontained in liquid. Hitherto, the anaerobic state has been prevented bycausing the kitchen refuse to be in contact with the outside air.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an apparatus for liquidizing organic substances accordingto the present invention comprises an outer chamber having a bottom,wherein the outer chamber accommodates an inner chamber having throughholes formed into a desired shape in a bottom portion thereof in such amanner that the bottom of the inner chamber maintains a distance fromthe bottom of the outer chamber, a liquidized-substance outlet valve isdisposed on the side surface of the outer chamber at a position higherthan the through holes, a cover for the inner chamber and cover for theouter chamber respectively cover the inner chamber and the outerchamber, and an air supply pipe connected to a ventilating unit isdisposed in the inner chamber.

A liquidizing (fermenting, decomposing and digesting) chamber andmaturing chamber are disposed adjacently through a filtering member, aliquidized-substance outlet valve is provided for the maturing chamber,direct exposure of the liquidizing chamber to outer air is inhibited,and an air supply unit is provided for the liquidizing chamber.

The by-products, such as kitchen refuse, or livestock excretions areinjected into the inner chamber or the liquidizing chamber of theliquidizing apparatus according to the present invention, microorganisms(aerobic or facultative aerobic bacteria) or enzymes (originated frommicroorganisms) are added as required, and water in an adequate quantityis added before aeration is performed so that the kitchen refuse or thelike quickly start liquefaction (fermentation, decomposition anddigestion). As the time passes, a major portion of the kitchen refuse(by-products of foods) is liquidized and shifted to the outer chamber soas to be matured. Thus, the kitchen refuse is converted into liquidfertilizer or the like in the form that can be used most adequately inthe ecological system of the earth.

If stirring, heating and the like are performed if necessary, theliquidizing speed can be raised so that the liquefaction (efficiency) isenhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view which illustrates an apparatus forliquidizing organic substances in which a cylindrical inner chamber isaccommodated in a cylindrical outer chamber; FIG. 2 illustrates anessential portion of the inner chamber shown in FIG. 1, in which (A) isa plan view, (B) is a front cross sectional view and (C) is a bottomview; FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view which illustrates a structurein which a ventilating pipe is provided for the structure shown in FIG.2 (B); FIG. 4 is an explanatory view which illustrates a case where theapparatus for liquidizing organic substances shown in FIG. 1 is usedwhile being connected to a disposer; FIG. 5 is a partially-enlargedcross sectional view which illustrates a state of the safety valve shownin FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is an explanatory view which illustrates anotherexample of a method of connecting the disposer to the apparatus forliquidizing organic substances shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a crosssectional explanatory view which illustrates an apparatus forliquidizing organic substances in which a liquidizing chamber and amaturing chamber are disposed adjacently through a filtering member;FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross sectional views each of which illustrate anapparatus for liquidizing organic substances comprising one containerthat is divided into two chambers by a water permeable partition member;FIG. 10 is a front view which illustrates a state where a cage isdisposed in one container; and FIG. 11 is a plan view of FIG. 10.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of an apparatus for liquidizing organic substances accordingto the present invention will now be described with reference to thedrawings.

A first embodiment includes an arrangement in which an inner chamber andan outer chamber are constituted by plastic-bucket-like cylindricalmembers.

The first embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to3.

Reference numeral 1 represents an outer chamber which has a bottom, andthe inner and outer surfaces have a ceramic coating. As the outerchamber 1, for example, a plastic bucket may be employed. Referencenumeral 2 represents an inner chamber having a bottom portion providedwith four leg portions 3. Furthermore, a filtering member 4 havingmesh-like through holes is disposed on the leg portions 3. As the innerchamber 2, for example, a plastic flowerpot may be used. In the outerchamber 1, the inner chamber 2 is accommodated. The inner chamber 2 isin contact with a bottom 5 of the outer chamber 1 at the leg portions 3while forming a gap between the filtering member 4 and the bottom 5 ofthe outer chamber 1. Therefore, the bottom surface of the inner chamber2 is communicated with the outer chamber 1. As described later, theinner chamber 2 serves as a liquidizing (fermenting decomposing anddigesting) chamber, while the space between the inner chamber 2 and theouter chamber 1 serves as a maturing chamber.

Reference numeral 6 represents a liquidized-substance outlet valvedisposed on the side surface of the outer chamber 1. Theliquidized-substance outlet valve 6 is positioned higher than thefiltering member 4 to cause liquid to be also always left in the innerchamber 2. Reference numeral 7 represents a cover for the inner chamber2, and 8 represents a cover for the outer chamber 1. The covers 7 and 8are structured to be capable of hermetically sealing the inner chamber 2and the outer chamber 1. A heater 9 and an air supply fan 10 aredisposed on the top surface of the cover 7 for the inner chamber 2.Thus, air heated by the heater 9 is, by the air supply fan 10, passedthrough an air supply pipe 11, and then such air is introduced into theinner chamber 2. Reference numeral 12 represents an air ventilating pipefor discharging air introduced into the inner chamber 2, the airventilating pipe 12 establishes communication between the inner portionof the inner chamber 2 and that of the outer chamber 1. A portion of thecover 7 for the inner chamber 2 is formed into an injection port 13which can be partially opened/closed. Reference numeral 14 represents athermostat for controlling the temperature in the inner chamber 2.

Reference numeral 15 represents a shaft having a grinding blade 16 atthe leading portion thereof and rotatively supported by a bearing 17.The shaft 15 is rotated by a motor 18 through a gear 19. The operatingtime and the number of rotations of the motor 18 are controlled by aprogram timer 20. In order to make watertight the foregoing units, theunits are covered with a packing 21.

Reference numeral 22 represents an overflowing pipe also serving as anair remover that is disposed at a relatively high position on the sidesurface of the outer chamber 1. The cover 7 for the inner chamber 2 hasa connection portion 23 which causes the peripheral portion of the cover7 to be connected to the top surface of the inner chamber 2 in order toestablish a sealing state between the cover 7 for the inner chamber 2and the inner chamber 2. The inner and outer surfaces of the cover 8 forthe outer chamber 1 are provided with a ceramic coating.

Example of Use of the First Embodiment

Initially, water in an adequate quantity (for example, 40% of thecapacity of the inner chamber 2) is injected into the inner chamber 2,and adequate microorganisms (for example, aerobic bacteria), enzymes andthe like are added. The quantities of the microorganisms and enzymes tobe added are different depending upon the types of the microorganismsand the size of the inner chamber 2 (the same are adjusted adequately).

If kitchen refuse or the like has been generated in a household or thelike, the cover 8 for the outer chamber 1 is opened, and the injectionport 13 of the cover 7 for the inner chamber 2 is opened. Then, thekitchen refuse or the like is deposited into the inner chamber 2, andthen the injection port 13 of the cover 7 is closed. Also the cover 8for the outer chamber 1 is closed.

After the kitchen refuse or the like has been deposited into the innerchamber 2, the motor 18 is rotated to rotate the grinding blade 16 sothat the kitchen refuse or the like is ground and stirred.

On the other hand, the temperature in the inner chamber is adjusted sothat temperatures (25° C. to 35° C. if the microorganism are bacteria ortemperatures suitable for enzymes to function) suitable formicroorganisms to grow are maintained. The temperature adjustment isperformed in such a manner that the temperature of air introduced by theair supply fan 10 through the air supply pipe 11 is adjusted by theheater 9.

The stirring operation by using the grinding blade 16 and the supply ofair through the air supply pipe 11 enhance the liquefaction(fermentation, decomposition and digestion). Thus, the kitchen refuse isformed into a liquid and soluble substances that are then dissolved inwater. The solute (the kitchen refuse component and the like) dissolvedin water is, due to the principle of diffusion, diffused from the innerchamber 2 into the solution in the outer chamber 1 through the filteringmember 4. In the outer chamber 1, the solute is matured into a form thatcan be used again, such as liquid fertilizer. Furthermore, phaseinterchange that causes the diffused liquid to pass through thefiltering member 4 to be reversely penetrated into the liquid in theinner chamber 2 that is being decomposed. As a result, the decompositionis enhanced. Usually, the kitchen refuse can be completely liquidized inabout 24 hours.

After the liquidized substances have been left and matured in the outerchamber 1, the liquidized substances are taken through theliquidized-substance outlet valve 6. The obtained liquidized substancesare returned to the earth or thrown away into a drainage ditch. Sincethe liquidized substance outlet valve 6 is positioned higher than thefiltering member 4 of the inner chamber 2, liquid in a predeterminedquantity is always left in the inner chamber 2 even after the liquidizedsubstances have been taken. Therefore, microorganisms are included inthe residual liquid, and therefore the apparatus can be usedcontinuously by simply adding kitchen refuse.

The ceramic coating of the outer chamber i and the cover 8 of the outerchamber will enable the following effects to be obtained. Since farinfrared radiation (5 to 10 microns) have characteristics interruptingthe heat conduction, the inner and outer surfaces of the outer chamber 1are brought to a state where the heat conduction is interrupted throughthe foregoing two surfaces due to the scientific characteristics of thefar infrared radiation. Therefore, the portion of the outer chamber 1can easily be maintained at a predetermined temperature regardless ofthe room temperature.

The number of rotations and the rotational speed of the Grinding blade16 can be adjusted by controlling the number of rotations and therotational speed of the motor 18 by the program timer 20. The foregoingfactors are adjusted adequately depending upon the type and quantity ofthe kitchen refuse.

The microorganisms and enzymes for use in the apparatus may be any oneof a variety of microorganisms and enzymes. For example, aerobic orfacultative aerobic bacteria, such as bacillus (bacillus subtilis) orphototrophic bacteria, or enzymes originated from the foregoingmicroorganisms are mainly used.

Since the foregoing bacteria are present in air, use of the apparatusaccording to the present invention enables the liquefaction process tobe performed without the necessity of positively injectingmicroorganisms.

An example of a second embodiment has an arrangement in which a disposeris connected to the apparatus for liquidizing organic substancesaccording to the first embodiment.

A description will now be made with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

Since the basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of thefirst embodiment, only the different structures will now be described.Reference numeral 24 represents a disposer connected to a sink of akitchen or the like. Reference numeral 25 represents a connection pipethat establishes the connection between the disposer 24 and the innerchamber 2. Reference numeral 26 represents a drain pipe for directlydischarging drain from the disposer 24 to the outside of the apparatus.An overflow pipe 22 also serving as the air remover is connected to thedrain pipe 26, the overflow pipe 22 also serving as the air removerhaving, in the leading portion thereof, a sealing valve 27 that isopened/closed by the deadweight thereof.

Reference numerals 28 and 29 represent valves for switching thedischarge port of the disposer 24. The valve 28 is disposed between thedisposer 24 and the connection pipe 25, while the valve 29 is disposedbetween the disposer 24 and the drain pipe 26. The two valves 28 and 29are operated in synchronization with each other. When either valve isopened by a motor 30, the other valve is closed.

Reference numeral 31 represents a check valve provided in the portion inwhich the connection pipe 25 is connected to the inner chamber 2, thecheck valve 31 being provided to prevent a backflow. The check valve 31includes a ball 32 that is vertically moved, thereby opening/closing aninlet open portion 33 thereof. Another check valve 34 for preventing abackflow is provided in the leading portion of the air supply pipe 11.

Example of Use of the Second Embodiment

Since the basic method of use is similar to that of the firstembodiment, only characteristic portions will now be described.

Similarly to the first embodiment, water and microorganisms arepreviously deposited in the inner chamber 2 in certain quantities.Kitchen refuse is ground by the disposer 24, and is passed through theconnection pipe 25 before it is passed to the inner chamber 2 throughthe inlet open portion 33 of the check valve 31. In the case where thekitchen refuse or the like is ground by the disposer 24, the kitchenrefuse is discharged from the disposer while containing a large quantityof water. Therefore, the necessity of previously injecting water intothe inner chamber 2 can be eliminated depending on the situation.

The kitchen refuse or the like liquidized (fermented, decomposed anddigested) in the inner chamber 2 is dissolved in the liquid in the outerchamber similarly to the first embodiment. As a result of the supply ofthe kitchen refuse or the like into the inner chamber 2 one afteranother, the water level of the liquid in the outer chamber 1 is alsoraised. The liquidized substances in the outer chamber 1 are, one afteranother, discharged into the drain pipe 26 from the overflowing pipe 22also serving as the air remover.

The overflowing pipe 22 also serving as the air remover is usuallyclosed because the sealing valve 27, which is opened/closed due to thedeadweight thereof, is disposed at the leading portion thereof. Onlywhen the liquidized substances are discharged, the overflowing pipe 22also serving as the air remover is opened due to the pressure of theliquidized substances. Therefore, backflow of water from the drain pipe26 into the outer chamber 1 is prevented, and also leakage of smell fromthe outer chamber 1 is prevented.

In a case where substances, such as kitchen refuse or the like, thatmust be processed, are discharged from the disposer 24, the motor 30 isoperated to open the valve 38 and to close the valve 29. Thus, thekitchen refuse discharged from the disposer 24 is directed to theconnection pipe 25. Although opening/closing of the valves 28 and 29 bymeans of the motor 30 may be performed by manually turning on therotation of the motor 30, the fluid pressure from the disposer 24 may bedetected to identify that the discharged substances are kitchen refuseor water so that the motor 30 is automatically rotated.

As a result, the kitchen refuse or the like from the disposer can beautomatically liquidizing-processed.

Note that an inlet port of the drain pipe 26 is formed in the disposer24 as shown in FIG. 6. An end of the connection pipe 25 that establishesthe connection between the disposer 24 and the inner chamber 2 may beconnected to the side surface of the disposer 24 and it may be bent intoan inverted U-shape such that its top end is higher than the inlet portof the drain pipe 26, while connecting another end of the same to thecheck valve 31 of the inner chamber 2. As a result, usual drain does notflow in the connection pipe 25 but usual drain flows through the drainpipe 26 and directly flows in a drainage ditch. In the case where thedisposer 24 is operated, the ground kitchen refuse is, by the fluidpressure generated due to rotation of the disposer 24, passed throughthe connection pipe 25 and is introduced into the inner chamber 2. Thus,a switching mechanism consisting of the valves 28 and 29 can be omittedfrom the structure.

An example of a Third Embodiment includes a liquidizing chamber and amaturing chamber disposed adjacently on either side of a filteringmember, a liquidized-substance outlet valve is provided for the maturingchamber, the liquidizing chamber is insulated from outer air and an airsupply apparatus is provided for the liquidizing chamber. In anotherexample, a grinding apparatus is provided at the inlet port of theliquidizing chamber and this will now be described with reference toFIG. 7.

A liquidizing chamber 35 and a maturing chamber 36 are, through afiltering member 37, disposed adjacently in the vertical direction insuch a manner that the liquidizing chamber 35 is disposed at arelatively lower position. The liquidizing chamber 35 corresponds to theinner chamber 2 according to the first embodiment, while the maturingchamber 36 corresponding to the space between the outer chamber 1 andthe inner chamber 2. The filtering member 37 is formed by using apunching metal having through holes having an adequate size.

In the central portion of the upper portion of the liquidizing chamber35, which is the central portion of the maturing chamber 36, a disposer38 is disposed. A funnel-shape injection port 39 of the disposer 38serves as a cover the maturing chamber 36. Furthermore, an adequateexhaust port (corresponding to the overflowing pipe 22 also serving asthe air remover shown in FIG. 1), which is not shown, is formed at anarbitrary position near the top end of the maturing chamber 36. On theother hand, a discharge port 40 of the disposer 38 is formed in theliquidizing chamber 35, the discharge port 40 being surrounded by astainless-steel net 41. Reference numeral 42 represents a motor forrotating a grinding blade of the disposer.

Reference numeral 43 represents a liquid outlet valve disposed on theside surface of the maturing chamber 36. Reference numeral 44 representsa drain outlet valve connected to the lower portion of the liquidizingchamber 35.

Reference numeral 45 represents a ventilating pipe disposed in the lowerportion of the liquidizing chamber 35 and having a multiplicity ofaerating and heating nozzles, the ventilating pipe 45 being connected toan air supply fan 46. Reference numeral 47 represents a heater forheating air that is introduced by the air supply fan 46.

The positional relationship between the liquidizing chamber 35 and thematuring chamber 36 is not limited to the foregoing relationship. Forexample, the maturing chamber 36 (corresponding to the space between theinner chamber 1 and the outer chamber 2) may be disposed around theliquidizing chamber 35 (corresponding to the inner chamber 1 shown inFIG. 1). The liquidizing chamber 35 may be disposed at a relativelyhigher position and the maturing chamber 36 may be disposed at arelatively lower position. As an alternative to this, the liquidizingchamber 35 and the maturing chamber 36 may be disposed adjacently in thehorizontal direction.

Although the disposer 38 is disposed in the inlet port of theliquidizing chamber 35 to prevent direct exposure of the liquidizingchamber to the outer air, the opening/closing cover 7 may be disposed atthe injection port 13 of the inner chamber 1 (corresponding to theliquidizing chamber 35) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Example of Use of the Third Embodiment

The basic function of this embodiment is similar to that of the secondembodiment.

Kitchen refuse injected into the disposer 38 through the injection port39 is ground by the grinding blade rotated by the motor 42, is passedthrough the discharge port 40 and is injected into the liquidizingchamber 35. When new kitchen refuse is injected into the liquidizingchamber 35 from the disposer 38, the water level in the. maturingchamber 36 is raised, causing air accumulated in the upper portion ofthe maturing chamber 36 is discharged outwardly through the exhaust portat the top end of the maturing chamber 36. By using the ventilating fan46 and the heater 47, the portion in the liquidizing chamber 35 isaerated and heated.

Excess air is discharged through the exhaust port at the top end of thematuring chamber 36. The ventilating fan 46 is able to aerate theportion in the liquidizing chamber 35. Therefore, aerobic fermentationis performed in the liquidizing chamber 35. Note that air accumulated inthe top portion of the maturing chamber 36 is discharged outwardlythrough the exhaust port. Since the structure has the arrangement suchthat the liquidizing chamber 35 is not in direct contact with outer air,smell of the liquidizing chamber 35 does not leak to the outside of theapparatus. Air outwardly discharged from the maturing chamber 36 issubstantially free from bad smell.

The solute of the kitchen refuse liquidized in the liquidizing chamber35 is dissolved in the liquid, is passed through the filtering member 37so that it is transported together with the liquid into the maturingchamber 36. Whenever kitchen refuse or the like is newly injected, thewater level in the maturing chamber 36 is raised. Therefore, liquidizedsubstances in the maturing chamber 36 are adequately taken through theoutlet valve 43 so that the maturing chamber 36 is not fully filled.Thus, the water level is adjusted. The sold materials accumulated in thelower portion in the liquidizing chamber 35 are adequately discharged byopening the drain outlet valve 44. [Fourth Embodiment] An example inwhich one container is divided into a liquidizing chamber and a maturingchamber.

This embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

This embodiment forms the basic structure of the present invention.

Reference numeral 48 represents a container having one injection port49. The container 48 has a water-permeable partition member 50 so thatthe container 48 is divided into two chambers. Either of the two chamberthat has not the injection port 49 has a liquid outlet valve 51. FIG. 7illustrates an example in which the chamber is divided in the horizontaldirection. FIG. 8 illustrates the chamber which is divided in thevertical direction. The object of the present invention can be achievedby dividing the chamber by the partition member 50 into two sectionsregardless of the dividing position.

The chamber 52 having the injection port 49 serves as the liquidizingchamber 35 or the inner chamber 2, while another chamber 53 serves asthe maturing chamber 36 or the outer chamber 1. Note that the injectionport 49 and the liquid outlet valve 51 may be omitted from thestructure. The water-permeable partition member 50 may be made of ametal net, punching metal, cloth, unwoven fabric, a penetrable membraneor the like.

Example of Use of Fourth Embodiment

Kitchen refuse or the like is injected into the chamber 52 having theinjection port 49. Then, water in an adequate quantity, and selectedmicroorganisms and enzymes are added in required quantities. Thus, thekitchen refuse is decomposed and liquidized due to the functions of themicroorganisms and the like. Thus, the solute is dissolved in water. Theliquidized substances are passed through the partition member 50 and arealso moved to the other chamber 53. Thus, the liquidized substances arematured in the chamber 53 having the liquid outlet valve 51. Then, thematured liquidized substances' are adequately taken through the liquidoutlet valve 51.

In a case where the liquid outlet valve 51 is not provided, the uppersurface of the container 48 is opened and the liquidized substances ispumped out by an adequate method. With either method, the container 48is divided into the two chambers 52 and 53 by the partition member 50 sothat one chamber is divided into the liquidizing chamber and thematuring chamber. Thus, the liquidized substances are mutuallypenetrated so that the phase is standardized. Therefore, wheneverkitchen refuse or the like is injected into the liquidizing chamber 35,matured liquidized substances can be taken from the maturing chamber. Anexample of a Fifth Embodiment includes a cage disposed in one containerin such a manner that the cage can be introduced/removed.

This embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

Reference numeral 54 represents a cylindrical container having an openedtop end. Reference numeral 55 represents a cylindrical metal cage havingan opened top end, the cage 55 having a diameter which is smaller thanthat of the container 54. The cage 54 can be introduced/removed withrespect to the container 54.

A cover for sealing the container 54 may be used depending on thesituation. A liquid outlet valve may be connected to the container 54.As an alternative to this, the inner and outer surfaces and the like ofthe container 54 may be applied with ceramic coating.

Example of Use of the Fifth Embodiment

In a state where the cage 55 is accommodated in the container 54, water,microorganisms and the like are injected into the container 54 inadequate quantities similarly to the first embodiment. Then, kitchenrefuse or the like is injected into the cage 55. As a result, the soluteof the kitchen refuse is, due to the functions of the microorganisms andthe like, dissolved (liquidized) in the liquid. The liquidizedsubstances are outwardly moved from the portion in the cage 55, whileleaving solid residue in the cage 55. By removing the cage 55 from thecontainer 54, only the liquidized substances are left in the container54. Therefore, the liquidized substances left in the container 54 istaken by an adequate method. Note that if the liquid outlet valve isconnected to the container 54, the liquidized substances can be takenwithout the necessity of ejecting the cage 55. Therefore, the cage 55 isremoved from the container 54 only when the residue in a certainquantity is present in the cage 55 in order to process the residue inthe cage 55. Since the residue is left in the cage 55, removal of thecage 55 from the container 54 enables the residue to be processedeasily.

Industrial Applicability

As described above, the apparatus for liquidizing organic substancesaccording to the present invention enables the quantity of waste to bereduced easily by injecting kitchen refuse or the like into thecontainer. Since the apparatus can be used repeatedly and continuously,it can be easily used in a usual household. Since the anaerobic state isprevented by using microorganisms in the liquid and as well as theapparatus is basically sealed up, the liquidizing process can becompleted in a short time. Furthermore, bad smell can be prevented, thusenabling the apparatus to be used in residential areas in urban regions.In addition, the liquidized substances can be used as liquid fertilizeror the like, and, thus, the source can effectively be used. By furthermaturing the liquidized substances, the substances can be directlythrown away as completely processed water into a nonindustrial sewage.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for liquefying organic substancescomprising a liquefying chamber, inlet means for introducing a solidorganic material to be liquefied and for introducing microorganisms intosaid liquefying chamber, first closure means for closing off saidliquefying chamber from the surrounding ambience, aerating means foraerating the material in said closed off liquefying chamber, a maturingchamber juxtaposed to said liquefying chamber, said maturing chamberhaving impermeable wall means which isolate the material in saidliquefying chamber from the material in said maturing chamber, secondclosure means for closing off said maturing chamber from the outsideatmosphere, filtering means between said liquefying chamber and saidmaturing chamber, said filtering means being operable to diffuseliquefied material as said liquefied material passes from saidliquefying chamber through said filter means to said maturing chamber,and outlet means on said maturing chamber for passing said liquefiedmaterial from said maturing chamber.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1wherein said aerating means comprises means for introducing air intosaid liquefying chamber, and heating means for heating said air which isintroduced into said liquefying chamber.
 3. Apparatus according to claim1 further comprising means operable in said liquefying chamber forstirring said material in said liquefying chamber.
 4. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 further comprising ventilating means forventilating air from said liquefying chamber.
 5. Apparatus according toclaim 4 wherein said ventilation means comprises a conduit whichestablishes communication between said liquefying chamber and saidmaturing chamber.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising aceramic coating on said liquefying chamber, said coating emittinginfrared radiation.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidliquefying chamber is disposed within said maturing chamber. 8.Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said liquefying chamber underliessaid maturing chamber.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidliquefying chamber overlies said maturing chamber.
 10. Apparatus forliquefying organic substances comprising an outer container having aside and a bottom, an inner container disposed in said outer container,means on said inner container for introducing a solid organic materialto be liquefied and microorganisms into said inner container, said innercontainer having a side spaced from said side of said outer container todefine a side chamber between said inner and outer containers, said sideof said inner container being an impermeable wall which isolates thematerial in said inner chamber from the material in said side chamber,said inner container having a bottom spaced from said bottom of saidouter container to define a bottom chamber which is in communicationwith said side chamber, said bottom of said inner chamber comprising afilter means operable to diffuse the liquefied material in said innercontainer as said liquefied material passes from said inner containerthrough said filter means to said bottom chamber, said liquefiedmaterial passing from said bottom chamber to said side chamber, andoutlet means on said outer container for passing said liquefied materialfrom said outer container.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 10 whereinsaid outlet means is disposed at a higher elevation than said filtermeans.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 10 further including aeratingmeans for introducing air into said liquefying chamber and heating meansfor heating said air which is introduced into said liquefying chamber.13. Apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising means operable insaid liquefying chamber for stirring said material in said liquefyingchamber.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 10 further comprisingventilating means for ventilating air from said liquefying chamber, saidventilating means comprising a conduit which establishes communicationbetween said liquefying chamber and said maturing chamber.
 15. Apparatusaccording to claim 10 further comprising a ceramic coating on saidliquefying chamber, said ceramic coating emitting infrared radiation.16. Apparatus for treating organic substances comprising a liquefyingchamber, inlet means for introducing an organic material and forintroducing microorganisms into said liquefying chamber, first closuremeans for closing off said liquefying chamber from the outside ambience,aerating means for aerating the material in said liquefying chamber, amaturing chamber juxtaposed to said liquefying chamber, second closuremeans for closing off said maturing chamber from the outside atmosphere,filtering means between said liquefying chamber and said maturingchamber, said filtering means being operable to diffuse liquefiedmaterial as said liquefied material passes from said liquefying chamberthrough said filter means to said maturing chamber, outlet means on saidmaturing chamber for passing said liquefied material from said maturingchamber, a refuse disposer having outlet means, first conduit meansleading from said outlet means of said refuse disposer to a drain,second conduit means leading from said outlet means of said refusedisposer to said inlet means on said liquefying chamber, and divertingmeans disposed downstream of said outlet means of said refuse disposerand operable to selectively divert the flow of material from said outletmeans of said disposer to either said first conduit means or said secondconduit means.
 17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein saiddiverting means comprises a valve means operable between a first andsecond position, said valve means when in said first position openingsaid first conduit means and closing said second conduit means, saidvalve means when in said second position opening said second conduitmeans and closing said first conduit means.
 18. Apparatus according toclaim 16 wherein said drain has an inlet, said diverting meanscomprising an inverted U-shaped bend in said second conduit means, saidinverted U-shaped bend being at a higher elevation than said inlet ofsaid drain.
 19. Apparatus according to claim 16 further comprising achamber outlet means on said liquefying chamber, and third conduit meansconnecting said chamber outlet means to said drain.
 20. Apparatusaccording to claim 19 further comprising a valve means in said thirdconduit.
 21. Apparatus according to claim 16 further comprising a checkvalve in said second conduit means to prevent back flow in said secondconduit means.
 22. A method for liquefying organic substancescomprising:introducing water, microorganisms and an organic substance tobe liquefied into a first chamber; closing off said first chamber fromthe surrounding ambience; liquefying said organic material in saidclosed off first chamber; providing a second chamber juxtaposed to saidfirst chamber; closing off said second chamber from the surroundingambience; passing the liquefied organic material from said closed offinner chamber through a filter into said closed off second chamber; andwithdrawing said liquefied organic material from said second chamber.23. A method according to claim 22 wherein said step of introducingmicroorganisms into said first chamber comprises introducingmicroorganisms selected from the group consisting of aerobic bacteriaand facultative bacteria.
 24. A method according to claim 22 whereinsaid step of introducing microorganisms into said first chambercomprises introducing enzymes originated from said microorganisms.
 25. Amethod according to claim 22 wherein said step of liquefying saidorganic material comprises heating said organic material in said firstchamber.
 26. A method according to claim 22 wherein said heating stepcomprises introducing heated hot air into said first chamber.
 27. Amethod according to claim 22 wherein the liquefied organic materialpassing through said filter is a solute, and further comprising maturingsaid solute into a liquid fertilizer in said second chamber.
 28. Amethod according to claim 27 further comprising passing said solute in areverse direction through said filter from said second chamber to saidfirst chamber.
 29. A method according to claim 22 wherein said step ofwithdrawing said liquefied organic material from said second chambercomprises withdrawing said liquefied organic material at a firstelevation higher than the elevation of said filter, and continuouslymaintaining a quantity of liquefied organic material in said secondchamber to the level of said first elevation.
 30. A method according toclaim 22 wherein said organic material is kitchen refuse which includessolid kitchen refuse.